Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt.

1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas. Those countries or parts of countries that are included in the endemic zones in Africa and South America are regarded by the Namibian authorities as infected. Travellers on scheduled airlines whose flights have originated outside areas regarded as infected but have passed through such areas in transit are not required to possess a certificate, provided they have remained at the scheduled airport or in the adjacent town during transit. All passengers with unscheduled airlines whose flights originated or passed in transit through an infected area are required to possess a certificate. The certificate is not insisted upon in the case of children under one year of age, but such infants may be subject to surveillance.

2
Typhoid may occur.

3
Malaria risk exists in Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati, Ohangwenga, Otjozondjupa and Omaheke from November to June and along the Kunene river and in Kavango and Caprivi regions throughout the year. The predominant falciparum strain is reported to be resistant to chloroquine. The recommended prophylaxis is either mefloquine, doxycycline or atovaquone/proguanil.

Food & drink
Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other risks
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water (also because of the presence of crocodiles); swimming pools which are well chlorinated and well maintained are safe. Natural foci of plague have been reported in Namibia. Hepatitis A can occur. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. An increase in rabies amongst dogs in Windhoek was reported in late 2005 and early 2006.

Anti-bite serums for snakes and scorpions are advised. Health insurance is essential.